Obtaining financing is an essential part of the buying process. Before you start looking at homes, you will need to speak with a recommended local lender to determine your target price range, estimated monthly payment, and obtain a pre-approval letter that will be used as part of submitting an offer on a home.

When you preview a home and it is a perfect match, the next step is to write an offer. To create a great offer, you will work with Greg to discuss terms such as: price, inspection and remedy time frames, closing time frame, earnest money, and others.

Once your offer is accepted, you are officially in contract! Greg will send you a copy of the fully executed contract accompanied by a convenient cover sheet with all pertinent dates and terms. Once in contract, you will receive weekly updates with an updated timeline, a highlight of the past weeks events, and items coming up the next week.

An appraisal is usually required when obtaining a mortgage. The appraisal is a determination of the home’s value by a licensed appraiser. The subsequent appraisal report is used by the bank to ensure their loan makes good business sense.

In the meantime, your lender will be communicating with you to obtain documentation and answer pertinent questions related to your loan to obtain a clear-to-close.

Prior to closing, you will need to wire your down payment to the title company. For closing, bring your valid Driver’s License/ID (cannot be expired) and a blank check to closing. The blank check can be used in case a nominal amount is due at the time of closing – this is not common, but worth being prepared.

Once you finish signing the papers at closing, you are officially a homeowner! Keys will be exchanged at the time of closing or arranged for your possession date. There is no better feeling than the first time you step in your new home. Enjoy!